Zelensky calls on EU not to be late with decision on Ukraine's membership

He said this in a video address to the European Council and the peoples of Europe, according to an Ukrinform correspondent.

"We are now preparing for Ukraine's membership in the European Union. Finally. Here I ask you not to be late, please. Because during this month you compared these worlds, and you all see who is worth what. And that Ukraine should be in the EU in the near future. At least you have everything for this. And we have this chance," Zelensky said.

He addressed the EU member states, separately mentioning on Hungary. "I want to stop here and be honest. Once and for all. You have to decide for yourself who you support. You are a sovereign state," Zelensky said.

He also thanked the EU for its help, for uniting the countries around Ukraine.

"I want to say that it was done, one way or another, in different ways, but again the main thing is that you have united, and we certainly appreciate that. You applied sanctions - these are powerful steps, but it was a little late. Because if it was preventive, Russia would not go to war. No one knows for sure, but at least there was a chance. You blocked Nord Stream 2 - we thank you for that, and that was the right thing, but it was also a little late. Because if it had been done on time, Russia would not have created a gas crisis. At least there was such a chance," Zelensky said.

On February 24, Russian leader Putin announced the beginning of a full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Russian troops have been shelling and destroying key infrastructure, residential neighborhoods of Ukrainian cities and villages using artillery, multiple rocket launchers and ballistic missiles.

The United States, the European Union and other countries imposed sanctions against the aggressor country.